Qatar Rail’s multi-billion Doha Metro project crossed a major landmark when HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani boarded a train that made its inaugural run along the tunnels of the metro’s Red Line.

Sheikh Abdullah was at the Economic Zone Station of the Doha Metro project to inspect ongoing work and progress at the site. He also reviewed key achievements made by Qatar Rail in 2017, including other plans.

HE the Prime Minister was accompanied by HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Rumaihi, Qatar Rail managing director and CEO Abdulla al-Subaie, Ashghal president Dr Saad bin Ahmed al-Muhannadi, and other key officials.

During a tour of the state-of-the-art metro station, HE the Prime Minister boarded one of the trains, which, “for the first time,” according to al-Sulaiti, entered the tunnels between the Economic Zone Station and Oqba bin Nafie Station, passing along the viaduct to Al Wakrah Station.

The new fully-driverless trains are among the fastest in the region, capable of speeds up to 100km/h, and will deliver “a safe, reliable, and fast commuter service for passengers,” Qatar Rail said in a statement.

Some of the ultra-modern features of the trains include digital media and signage, integrated journey planning, self-service machines ticketing, intelligent air-conditioning, and full Wi-Fi coverage across the entire network.

Located at the F-Ring Road and Al Wakrah Road intersection, the Economic Zone Station will be able to accommodate up to 15,000 passengers per hour once completed, and will serve as the focal point and main transport hub for the Ras Bufontas Special Economic Zone, which is near the Hamad International Airport.

The design of the station is representative of the Doha Metro, Qatar Rail said. Traditional Qatari themes and motifs are blended with modern architecture to achieve a look and feel with a uniquely Qatari aesthetic “while also being safe, sustainable, functional, and modern.”

Passengers travelling through the Economic Zone Station will enjoy “the very best” in station design – wide internal spaces, natural lighting, and smooth passenger flows – all of which “will contribute to a positive experience for the customer.”

Qatar Rail has set ambitious goals for 2018, which focus on delivering projects “on time and within budget,” according to al-Subaie.

All remaining MEP and architectural fit-out works for the Doha Metro will be completed this year, with overall Metro progress to reach 90%, he said, adding that this will see completion of the Red Line up to Al Qassar and the start of trial operations.

Qatar Rail is also looking forward to the arrival of the first batch of trains for the Lusail Tram, al-Subaie said.

He added that Qatar Rail will continue to build its brand and develop its customer base in anticipation of the start of passenger services on the Doha Metro. Communication with the public will begin with the launch of focused community awareness campaigns, aiming to not only educate and inform the public but also to highlight the benefits of the new transportation system.